Offenhauser head instalation

sp1ke

sp1ke

Member
Which is the best way for instaling heads on a flathead? Should I use studs or bolts ? Also where do I get them?

thanks,
sp1ke
 
I buy my heads and Offy intakes from Patrick's, Antiuque auto and truck parts 520-836-1117, he also carries the Fenton cast iron headers.
Good luck,
Fordestes
 
I havn't had any problem getting what I need I talked to Patrick about a month or so back and there was no mention of a shortage, I had an adjustment on set and and Tay Offenhauser handled it very much to my satisfaction. I have 2 sets of 49/53 425s on the shelf if there is a shortage
I will sell a set and replace them when the problem is rectified.
I called the other day about some 59a heads and intakes
nothing was mentioned about a shortage, it might not hurt to call again.
the last communication I had the Fenton repro. heads were not in production yet.
I realize you are a considerable distance, if I can be of assistance let me know
I can call them up and see if there is a problem.

Fordestes
 
We produced a "how to" video on installing Offy heads and intake manifold on a 59A in the Vic's V8 Video home video series. We've also installed a set on an 8RT (not in the video) and we used studs for each installation. If you're interested in the video it is available on DVD for $24.95 plus $3.50 S&H. PM me for additional information. Vic
 
I have a question. When In was building engines I used allot of Offy heads. Because I was using the L-100 in most of my engines I used the Offy 425, However, the net lift of the L-100 is only .360", you'd think it would fit under the 425. I also found the combustion chambet to varry quite abit between cylinders. In some respects this was a blessing because the heads are very thick and you can carve your own combustion chamber. I did this by hand to all my engines at no extra cost. I purchased a tilt table, made up a fixture to hold the head and in a coupls hrs had a Ron controlled combustion chamber. Question: Have they improved the quality?n I have to learn hoe to post pics because I have dozens of pictures of this operation.
 
I would say that Offenahuser is not improving on their machine work or tooling. All after market heads need to be checked. The castings may be off .100 causing valves to hit and so on. I always check all heads.
 
It seems like the question is how, not what.
How; Suggest using studs long enough for a hardened washer under the nuts. Follow the torque recs of the mfg, and retorque after running, cold. Best gasket is composition, and if Cometec makes ones, they are expensive, but very good.
Now for the what. Navarro heads are cast in Long Beach CA and machined in USA, and I doubt you would find inconsistencies in the castings or machine work. Anyone have experioiences to relate. Where are Offenhausers made & machined ? Just curious. Russ
 
The offy. heads are machined in California unless I misuderstood Mr. Offenhauser, the heads I had adjusted were not to my liking as far as combustion chamber , ( been using them for 40 plus years without any issues)
I was sent a return freight tag and had my replacements within 5 days the new castings were just delivered, from where I don't know , but were to be machined at the facility was my under standing.
the replacements were fine. I may check and see if they are of foreign manufacture. We never Know when or what changes are made these days
I am one to buy American made in the U.S.A if possible, regardless wether it's car parts or corn whiskey. I have an obligation to do so. Unfortunately
I can't always .
Just my way of thinking!
Fordestes
 
My grand son is in collage, studding mechanical engineering. He's been doing CNC programing and have seen his work in action. I'll bet he could come up with a combustion chamber program that would solve all these problems. The speed of these machines is increadable.
 
whats h&h flathead site thanks

by the way the guy was waiting for 4 months for his offy heads he cancelled and was credited his money back
 
Unless your building a "race horse" engine, use bolts as they make it easier to remove the heads.
 
Bolts with Hardened washers. Make sure the bolts have at least 7 thread engagement , whatch out for blind holes. Grade #5 is OK torque to 45 lbs through 3 heat cycled COLD.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top